Cricket fans were recently buzzing about a potential Saudi-backed global T20 league, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has shut down the idea completely.
With a jam-packed international schedule and growing concerns over player workload, the ECB made it clear—they’re not on board.
What Was the Plan?
The proposed league, called the ‘Grand Slam of Cricket,’ was designed to mirror tennis Grand Slams, featuring eight teams playing in four different locations worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund was set to bankroll the tournament, promising big money and global appeal.
But the ECB isn’t buying into the hype.
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Why Did the ECB Reject It?
ECB chief executive Richard Gould didn’t mince words.
“With the busy international calendar, a host of established franchise leagues around the world, and existing concerns about player workloads, there is no scope or demand for such an idea,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Simply put, there are already too many T20 leagues. Between the IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, SA20, ILT20, and The Hundred, players barely get time to breathe.
The ECB has its own investment to protect too—The Hundred, England’s 100-ball competition, recently secured $1.27 billion in private franchise funding. Naturally, they don’t want another tournament competing for attention.
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Not Everyone Is Against It
Interestingly, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) is open to the idea of a Saudi-backed global T20 league.
According to the ACA, such a league could actually benefit players, especially in areas like collective bargaining and gender-equity pay for male and female cricketers.
So while the ECB is saying “no chance,” some cricketers might welcome the opportunity for better pay and more financial security.
Is There Room for Another T20 League?
With so many T20 leagues already in play, the big question is: Do we really need another one? On one hand, a globally recognized league with top-tier financial backing could shake things up.
On the other, player burnout is already a huge concern, and adding another competition to the mix could push things over the edge. For now, the ECB has put its foot down. But with Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets, don’t be surprised if the idea resurfaces in the future.
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